Burmese Wood Home Altar

Gilded serpents arch over the place where a household came to pray.

This home altar comes from Burma and dates to the early 20th century, made of carved, painted and gilt wood. Buddhist households in Burma commonly keep a shrine for a Buddha image and daily offerings of flowers, water and food. Gold scaled bodies curve around a dark red panel filled with gilded scrolls and lotus blossoms. A tiny seated figure sits at the peak, turned finials rise along the top, and a painted flower band runs across the base. 43.5 inches high and 43 wide.

A small space, given over entirely to devotion.